Applying software visualization technology to support the use of evolutionary algorithms

This paper describes an approach to supporting the use of evolutionary algorithms through the integration of software visualization into the working practices of evolutionary algorithm users. A case is made for the provision of principled visualization support at an accessible level of abstraction for the user. Henson, a visualization framework for genetic algorithms is introduced that provides multiple levels of abstraction for the development of interactive visualizations. A genetic algorithm visualization tool called Gonzo is then described to illustrate the application of the framework approach and the integration of principled visualization design in an easily adopted visualization environment. This paper concludes with an overview of the approach described and the,benefits revealed through the integration of visualization within the software design and development process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.